The Masai (also spelled Maasai) are a warrior
tribe from Kenya and Tanzania, near the equator. They are typically
pictured wearing a red cloth and holding a spear. They live in
villages called kraals consisting of 8 to 15 huts. The women are
responsible for the seven month task of building a hut. The frame is
built of branches and then a plaster mixture of twigs, grass, and cow
dung is applied to the frame. When the plaster dries, it is as strong
as cement. The only openings are the doorway and a small hole in the
roof or wall to allow the smoke from a fire to escape. They use dried
cow dung for fuel to keep the fire going to cook and keep them warm
during the rainy season. The only furnishings inside are beds of
woven branches cushioned with dry grasses and animal skins to sleep
on.

The men use branches with thorns as sharp as
barbed wire to build thornbush fences as an added protection against
the wild animals of the area. The grassland climate is home to many
animals including elephants, lions, rhinos, and cheetahs. At night
their cows, goats, and other domestic animals are brought inside the
fence for protection as well.

Other chores for the women and girls include
milking cows and fetching water. They also spend much time doing
beadwork. They decorate animal hides, gourds and make arm and leg
bracelets. They also pick calabashes (gourds) which are cleaned and
then decorated with leather and beads. They use the gourds to store
milk, water, honey and cornmeal which is used for food. They do not
kill animals for food but will eat them if they die
naturally.

The men's primary job is to care for the cattle
which they believe God has entrusted to them. Their wealth is
therefore measured by the number of cattle they own. As young Masai
boys reach the age of 15 they participate in coming of age ceremonies
which include many rites and rituals (headdress, circumcision, body
painting, etc.). Originally these youth would then be sent into the
wild to hunt a lion with only a spear as their weapon. The national
governments have since outlawed this practice. Several Masai warriors
will live together in one kraal until they have passed on to manhood
(5 to 7 years time). Then they will marry and bring their wives and
raise their families in the same kraal. Generally people of the same
age live in the same kraal. The elderly will all live together but
will come to teach traditions and skills to the youth, as well as to
lead celebrations and ceremonies.